U.S. patent application number 10/926429 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for collapsible and reusable container and method for use.
Invention is credited to Tian Xiao Liu, Xue Wen Liu, Xuewu Liu.
Application Number | 20060054620 10/926429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36032796 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060054620 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Xuewu ; et al. |
March 16, 2006 |
Collapsible and reusable container and method for use
Abstract
A collapsible and reusable shipping or storage container that
easily collapses to a flat stackable package with no small or loose
parts. Said container can be locked with a single locking mechanism
in collapsed folded position or in fully open position with items
inside. Said container is collapsed for return transport to
distribution center to await reloading of future contents and
thereby minimizes required space and preventing waste while in
transport returning to distribution facility. To fold and collapse
said container, top lid slides out and is lifted diagonally and
removed from container, bottom panel is released and flipped up
toward front side panel, collapsible sides are folded in and
removed lid is placed into designated slot within collapsed
container.
Inventors: |
Liu; Xuewu; (Arcadia,
CA) ; Liu; Tian Xiao; (Arcadia, CA) ; Liu; Xue
Wen; (Arcadia, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF BIN LI & ASSOCIATES
940 EAST MAIN STREET
ALHAMBRA
CA
91801
US
|
Family ID: |
36032796 |
Appl. No.: |
10/926429 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2203/10 20130101;
Y02W 30/807 20150501; B65D 25/205 20130101; B65D 81/36 20130101;
B65D 2211/00 20130101; E02B 3/108 20130101; B65D 11/1853 20130101;
Y02W 30/80 20150501; B65D 65/466 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/006 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/12 20060101
B65D006/12 |
Claims
1. A collapsible and reusable container comprising: a first panel
with a width and a length, a second panel with a width and a
length, a third panel with a width and a length, collapsible side
walls which are constituted by short side walls, whereby the side
walls are movably attached to the second panel and the third panel
on either side of the container, a forth panel removably attached
to top of said container opposite of said first panel whereby said
forth panel is positioned into place by sliding means on top of
second panel, third panel and collapsible side walls to close the
container wherein male grooves on second and third panel align with
corresponding female grooves on forth panel whereby forth panel is
securely fastened as a lid surface, wherein an aligning, stacking,
locking means is coupled to outside surface of forth panel, wherein
said collapsible and reusable container collapses having means of
self containing removably detached forth panel within said
container and secured into a self contained unit by said locking
means, wherein said first panel is rotably connected to said second
panel, wherein said second and third panel have foundational means
for said first panel to rest into position as a bottom panel and
releasable locking means whereby first panel locks into position to
serve as bottom panel, wherein said collapsible side walls supply a
carrying means for transportation of enclosed contents within
container, wherein said second panel's exterior has an
identification means, whereby a sturdy apparatus for transportation
or storage will be provided.
2. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein side walls are movably connected by hinge means.
3. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 2,
wherein hinge means comprise of pins and sleeves.
4. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said sliding means is a ledge.
5. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said aligning means is a pre-formed male and female
coupling.
6. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said stacking means is a spacer forming a male end on top
of said container for placement under female bottom of a second
said container.
7. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said locking means is a Velcro strap.
8. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said carrying means is an incised oval.
9. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said releasable locking means of said first panel is
comprised of a piston, retracting rod and spring.
10. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said carrying means is a handle.
11. The collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said second panel's exterior surface identification means
is a transparent pocket.
12. A collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein the container is manufactured through injection molding,
vacuum molding, blow molding or press molding of one or more
polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene,
polybutene, polyvinylchloride, polyalkylene-therephtalate,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyamide, polycarbonate
or the like.
13. A collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein the container is manufactured with and utilizes steel
plating.
14. A collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein the container is composed of copper.
15. A collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein the container is composed of wood.
16. A collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said aligning, stacking, locking means is of such depth
whereby, weight of a top container's contents rest on sides of said
top container and thereby minimizing force on said top container's
bottom panel and thereby distributing weight evenly.
17. A collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said aligning, stacking, locking means has a non-slip means
on bottom.
18. A collapsible and reusable container according to claim 1,
wherein said collapsible side walls vary in lengths for expansion
of container size as needs require.
19. A method of transporting or storing items using a collapsible
and reusable container comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a
collapsible and reusable container composed of material for
purposes of use depending on such use as required; (b) placing the
items to be transported or stored into said collapsible and
reusable container; (c) locking said collapsible and reusable
container to prevent unauthorized opening and securing interior's
contents; (d) eliminating need for additional adhesives or tapes;
(e) placing said containers into a vehicle or storage facility; (f)
stacking said container atop other similar said containers; (g)
identifying said containers' contents with easily viewable
transparent pockets; (h) removing desired containers from stacks;
(i) unlocking said collapsible and reusable container with access
code or key; (j) removing lid by pulling lid outwards and upwards
to clear locking groove; (k) removing contents from interior; (l)
collapsing said container to minimize space usage; (m) inserting
top lid panel into designated slot within collapsed container; (n)
locking said container to prevent top lid from coming apart and
securing the self contained unit; (o) shipping said container back
to designated origin for reuse as transportation or storage
container; (p) recycling said container by potting by placing soil
into such containers and planting trees, and serve as a means for
growing such plants that can be sold to the public, (q) using the
container as a means to serve as a dam or as a water barrier as
containers of the present invention would be filled with rocks or
other materials providing weight to prevent flooding of waters
after rains providing a more efficient means of damming than
ordinary sandbags as sandbags are mostly only filled with sand, but
the containers of the present invention may be filled with rocks or
any other material, (r) burning said containers at the end of the
said container's use as a collapsible and reusable container, (s)
incinerating said containers at the end of the said container's use
as a collapsible and reusable container, (t) treating said
containers with degrading materials as the containers depending on
their composition can be treated with bacteria or the like which
would digest such materials.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of containers and
specifically to a collapsible and reusable container and a method
for use.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0004] Products, articles of manufacture or commerce are
transported between locations and usually in containers. These
containers are usually made of paper, cardboard, wood or other
materials. These materials are made from trees and other natural
resources that are rapidly decreasing. After these materials and
articles have reached the end of their destination, the containers
that housed such materials as they are disposable, are usually
thrown away and result in landfills. Other containers that are
recyclable and not thrown away require sorting and shipping to
other facilities in the recycling process, which contribute to
pollution during chemical treatment processes.
[0005] Other shipping containers are composed of reusable materials
such as plastic and are usually reused several times before they
are disposed of However, before these plastic containers can be
reused, they require shipping back to their origination location.
Since these plastic containers occupy the same volume of space
whether they are full or empty, shipping these plastic containers
back to their original location means that the same amount of space
in the shipping vehicle is required to ship them back as is
required to ship them to the destination location. This
necessitates that such vehicles be dedicated to ship such plastic
containers back to their original location for their reuse. This
also becomes a waste of resources. By way of example, a large chain
such as Burger King having over 8,700 branches in the United States
must transport produce or vegetable products across the country and
as each product is transported, trash is produced by the shipping
boxes that are currently being used. Additionally, factories must
make an additional box to replace every box that is thrown
away.
[0006] The present invention relates to a collapsible and reusable
container that solves both of the above mentioned problems. The
present invention is a collapsible and reusable container that can
be reused repeatedly and can be made from a variety of different
materials. After the products or raw materials are shipped to their
destinations in the collapsible and reusable container of the
present invention, the collapsible and reusable container can be
collapsed down to a flat, compact package occupying minimal volume
with no small or loose parts that can be lost during shipping. This
collapsed flat package can be easily stacked and shipped back to
its original location occupying minimum space on the shipping
vehicles when collapsed. This results in extra space that is
conserved and can be used for more productive purposes, such as to
ship other products either back to their original location or to
new locations. Current commercial systems are utilized world wide.
These are a closed system, used by chain stores; a semi-closed
system as used by supermarkets; or an open system as used by end
users.
[0007] The collapsible and reusable container of the present
invention is extremely easy to assemble and collapse without the
need for tools or special skills or instructions. The collapsible
and reusable container of the present invention can be securely
locked with a single lock whereby the bottom and top sides can be
locked into place thereby locking all sides into place.
[0008] The collapsible and reusable container of the present
invention may provide an airtight means in which articles such as
documents would be protected from environmental elements or
alternatively, a means in which the contents would be open to
external conditions, in instances of transport of produce.
[0009] The collapsible and reusable container of the present
invention will be easily accepted in all various industries,
including but not limited to, clothing industries, shoe industries,
food industries, auto part industries, fruit and vegetable
industries, or any other industry requiring shipping of articles
from one locale to another.
[0010] The collapsible and reusable container of the present
invention will be accepted by various users and will become a
standard in the shipping industry due to its low cost in
manufacturing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is a collapsible and reusable
container that easily collapses to a flat, stackable compact
package with no small or loose parts. The collapsible and reusable
container of the present invention can be securely locked.
[0012] The present invention has the advantages over the prior art
by having interchangeable parts. These interchangeable parts can be
replaced as the parts and hinges of the container wear and
necessitate replacement without having the expense of replacing the
entire container. Such interchangeable parts of the present
invention include the element of hinges and keys acting as pins for
which the sides of the invention are rotatably connected. Such
hinges fit together by means of pins or keys having a male
insertion end fitting into a female receiving end. These pins are
removable by means of a locking mechanism or threadlike means.
[0013] The present invention is composed of material for purposes
of use depending on such uses. Such common uses that are a means of
example and not limitation are for common transportation in which
documents may be transported from one location to another and in
which plastic or a resin of which would be satisfactory material.
Another use of the present invention would be the transportation of
monies or currencies or other important items of high value in
which the connecting keys or pins would be hidden and unexposed
whereby forcible entry of the container's contents would be
prevented. An additional element capable of providing added
protection of the container's contents including such important
items would be added weight in the form of the material composing
the container itself so that easy asportation would not be achieved
by improper parties. The addition of a locking means would provide
additional security. Such locking means may be combined by way of
example and not limitation, with an alarm, or sounding device or
beacon. In instances in which the containers of the present
invention wound into improper possession the additional element of
a tracking means such as global positional system or GPS would
provide for recovery. Such security would provide for, as a way of
example and not limitation, the public, public and private
businesses, military, etc.
[0014] Such locking means would provide locking for the bottom and
the top side, whereby all sides would be locked in place and
prevented from collapsing. The locking means would eliminate the
necessity for tapes or other adhesives thereby preventing further
additional waste products. Such locking means could be by way of
example and not limitation, a combination in which the end receiver
would have access by a combination or a key in which parties of a
same company would be able to unlock such locking means.
[0015] The bottom portion of the present invention would provide a
non-slip means such that it may also serve as a stackable means
fitting into companion stackable means on the tops of other similar
containers.
[0016] The top lid of the present invention is removable and may be
hinged outward or removed by lifting diagonally from the top
clearing the locking portions that prevent the lid from coming off
accidentally. The removed lid may be placed into an accompanying
slot between the folded sides of the container and held into place
by a locking means. Such locking means, by way of example and not
limitation can be a belt that holds the container in its folded
position with said lid covering inside each container's designated
slot and preventing said lid from loss. Such locking means can also
serve as a means to keep said lid on present container in fully
open position. Depending on required use, such locking means can be
made of different materials for added security as necessary.
[0017] The present invention may utilize a grooved side that acts
as a carrying handle. The sides of the present invention can be
elongated as pieced (3) or (5) can be extended to a length limited
by the length of the front and back sides to allow for expansion of
the container while retaining compact folded size.
[0018] The bottom stacking means of a container stacked on top in
relation to the bottom relative container does not rest on the
bottom of said top container. Such support is composed of each
container's sides acting as supports so as to enable equal weight
distribution to be spread throughout the container's sides instead
of having support weight on said top container's bottom.
[0019] Such containers of the present invention could be used for
all types of packaging, small or large. Such containers if made
large enough would provide added sturdiness and protection for such
articles as televisions or refrigerators and could be returned for
a refund.
[0020] The present invention may have a covering or pocket means on
an outside panel to enable a packing list, or receipt detailing the
contents of the container. Presently, the packing list enclosed
portion on shipping boxes must be ripped apart and in which time
boxes tear resulting in weakening of boxes. By having a permanent
pocket on the outside, such materials are saved from having to be
remanufactured as the pocket can be reused as the packing list can
simply be removed and reinserted with a new packing list.
[0021] At the end of the container of the present invention's
shipping use, the container can be used for potting, by placing
soil into such containers and planting trees, and serve as a means
for growing such plants that can be sold to the public. Such
additional planting conduits for plants would contribute in the
aggregate, to the lessening of overall effect of global
warming.
[0022] Another example of a possible use of the container of the
present invention and not a limitation, after its shipping life
ends, is to use the container as a means to serve as a dam or as a
water barrier. Containers of the present invention would be filled
with rocks or other materials providing weight to prevent flooding
of waters after rains and would be more efficient than ordinary
sandbags as sandbags are mostly only filled with sand, but the
containers of the present invention may be filled with rocks or any
other material.
[0023] At the end of the container's use as a potting pot or dam,
the containers depending on their composition can be burned or
incinerated or can be treated with bacteria which would digest such
materials.
[0024] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
there is disclosed a collapsible and reusable container comprising:
a front, back, left, right, bottom and top, having said top side
removable slide-able outwards towards front of said container, and
having bottom side swing-able to lie flush with back side allowing
for collapsing and folding.
[0025] Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from a reading of the following detailed description of
embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 shows the top front and left side of the collapsible
and reusable container.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a left side view of the collapsible and
reusable container with the lid partially removed.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows the top lid of collapsible and reusable
container removed as seen from left side.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of collapsible and reusable
container showing bottom panel swinging upwards.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows the lid of the collapsible and reusable
container of the interior of panel.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a top view of collapsible and reusable
container collapsing inwards.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows a top view of collapsible and reusable
container collapsed and in fully folded closed position.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a side panel detailing
hinged mechanism as seen from outside of the collapsible and
reusable container.
[0034] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of a side panel detailing
hinged mechanism as seen from inside of the collapsible and
reusable container.
[0035] FIG. 10 shows front panel of the outside of the collapsible
and reusable container and a cut-away view enabling view of hole
for hinge insert whereby bottom panel hinges and swings upward or
downward.
[0036] FIG. 11 shows front panel of the inside of the collapsible
and reusable container exhibiting slot hole for hinge insert
whereby bottom panel hinges and swings upward or downward.
[0037] FIG. 12 shows the bottom panel of the collapsible and
reusable container suspended, and with an exploded view of
spring-locking mechanism whereby bottom panel is locked into fully
open or fully collapsible position.
[0038] FIG. 13 shows a cut-away view of bottom panel detailing
spring-locking mechanism in normally locked position with spring in
normal position.
[0039] FIG. 14 shows a cut-away view of bottom panel detailing
spring-locking mechanism in released position with spring in
compressed position. (mechanism released by pulling on release
hook)
[0040] FIG. 15 shows the back panel as seen from the outside of the
collapsible and reusable container and a cut-away view enabling
view of hole for insert whereby bottom panel hinges and swings
upward or downward and locking pin inserts thereby locking bottom
panel in either fully open or fully collapsed position.
[0041] FIG. 16 shows the back panel as seen from the inside of the
collapsible and reusable container exhibiting hold for insert
whereby bottom panel hinges and swings upward or downward and
locking pin inserts thereby locking bottom panel in either fully
open or fully collapsed position.
[0042] FIG. 17 shows the top view of the collapsible and reusable
container in fully folded position as illustrated with top lid (5)
inserted into holding slot atop of resting ledge (61) into a fully
transportable and self contained unit.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are
provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present
invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in
virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
Referring to the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate
identical or corresponding elements throughout the several
figures.
[0044] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
there is disclosed a collapsible and reusable container comprising:
a front, back, left, right, bottom and top, having said top side
removable slide-able outwards towards front of said container, and
having bottom side swing-able to lie flush with back side allowing
for collapsing and folding.
[0045] The invented collapsible and reusable container of FIG. 1
shows the top (5) front (1) and left side (2) of the collapsible
and reusable container. The right side (3) is opposite the left
side (2) and back side (4) is opposite front side (1). Removable
lid (5) is coupled to stacking aligner (10). Removable lid slides
into place accommodated by aligning grooves (8). On front side (1)
is a means to display container's contents (7). Carrying means (6)
is shown on left side of container. Locking means (9) is coupled to
stacking aligner (10) on lid (5).
[0046] The left side of the container (2) of FIG. 2 shows a left
side view of the collapsible and reusable container with the lid
(5). Lid is coupled with stacking aligner (10) and is partially
removed. Carrying handle (6) is shown on left side (2) of
container.
[0047] FIG. 3 shows the top lid (5) of collapsible and reusable
container removed as seen from left side.
[0048] Cut away view of container from right side (3) of FIG. 4 of
collapsible and reusable container shows bottom panel (11) swinging
upwards. Bottom panel (11) is released from position at bottom by
release means (41) releasing locking means (40).
[0049] Interior panel of lid (5) as in FIG. 5 shows the lid of the
collapsible and reusable container of the interior of panel. Lid
(5) rests on ledge (51) snugly for added strength and locks onto
container and is prevented from sliding off unless lifted
diagonally by locking lid groove (52). Aligning groove slots (53)
act as female receptacles for aligning grooves (8) of FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 6 shows a top view of collapsible and reusable
container collapsing inwards with a top view of bottom panel
resting ledge (61) and back panel top lid resting ledge (62) and
front panel top lid resting ledge (63). Side hinge panel of right
side (64) is folded inward opposite of left side hinge panel (65)
folded inward. Bottom panel is swung upward in collapsible position
(66).
[0051] FIG. 7 shows a top view of collapsible and reusable
container collapsed and in fully folded closed position with a top
view of bottom panel resting ledge to accommodate top lid insertion
as shown in FIG. 17.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a side panel detailing
hinged mechanism as seen from outside of the collapsible and
reusable container detailing left side hinge assembly (81), center
hinge assembly (82), right side hinge assembly (83), adjoined by
pins (84) inserted and rotable by sleeve means (85) whereby sleeves
are inserted into slots (86). Left side hinge assembly (81) and
right side hinge assembly (83) can be made with varying widths,
whereby entire side portion of either left side (2) and right side
(3) can be extended depending on intended use of particular
collapsible and reusable container. Resting ledge (87) of left side
hinge assembly (81) and of right side hinge assembly (83) serve as
foundations for top lid (5) whereby sturdiness is added for
security and strength of collapsible and reusable container.
[0053] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of a side panel detailing
hinged mechanism as seen from inside of the collapsible and
reusable container detailing left side hinge assembly (81) as seen
from inside of container, center hinge assembly (82) as seen from
inside of container, right side hinge assembly (83) as seen from
inside of container, adjoined by pins (84) inserted and rotable by
sleeve means (85) whereby sleeves are inserted into slots (86).
Left side hinge assembly (81) and right side hinge assembly (83)
can be made with varying widths, whereby entire side portion of
either left side (2) and right side (3) can be extended depending
on intended use of particular collapsible and reusable container.
Resting ledge (87) of left side hinge assembly (81) and of right
side hinge assembly (83) serve as foundations for top lid (5)
whereby sturdiness is added for security and strength of
collapsible and reusable container. Bottom ledge (88) on bottom
portions of left side hinge assembly (81) and right side hinge
assembly (83) serves as foundation for bottom panel (11) when
bottom panel is swung downwards whereby added sturdiness, security
and strength is added to the invented collapsible and reusable
container.
[0054] FIG. 10 shows front panel (1) of the outside of the
collapsible and reusable container and a cut-away view enabling
view of hole for hinge insert (100) means whereby bottom panel
hinges and swings upward or downward. Suspended view of front panel
(1) allows for front panel aligning groove (101) to be visible,
also is slot (86) on front panel and resting ledge (87) for top lid
(5).
[0055] FIG. 11 shows front panel (1) with an inside view of the
collapsible and reusable container exhibiting slot hole for hinge
insert (100) whereby bottom panel hinges and swings upward or
downward and resting ledge on inside of front panel (110) whereby
bottom panel rests for added sturdiness, security and strength is
added to the invented collapsible and reusable container. Front
panel aligning grooves (101) are visible, as are also insertion
slot (86), hinge insert (100) and resting ledge (87) for top lid
(5).
[0056] FIG. 12 shows the bottom panel (11) of the collapsible and
reusable container suspended, and with an exploded view of
spring-locking mechanism (120) in exploded view exhibiting lock
piston (121), retracting rod (122) and return spring (123) whereby
lock piston is normally extended outward into locking position
until one pulls handle (124) through access hole (129) thereby
forcing retracting rod (122) by connection means (125) toward
center of panel (11) against return spring tension whereby bottom
panel can be locked into fully open or fully collapsed position by
means of piston insertion means (150). Hinge pin (127) inserts into
sleeve (128) and are inserted into bottom panel hinge insert (130)
whereby hinge pin (127) rotates within hinge insert (100).
[0057] FIG. 13 shows a cut-away view of bottom panel detailing
spring-locking mechanism in normally locked position with spring in
normal position.
[0058] FIG. 14 shows a cut-away view of bottom panel detailing
spring-locking mechanism in release position with spring in
compressed state as occurs when one pulls handle (124) thereby
pulling retracting rod (122) and piston into an unlocked position
and allowing for bottom panel (11) to be swung upwards for
collapsing container.
[0059] FIG. 15 shows the back panel as seen from the outside of the
collapsible and reusable container and a cut-away view enabling
view of hole for insert (150) whereby bottom panel hinges and
swings upward or downward and locking pin inserts thereby locking
bottom panel in either fully open or fully collapsed position.
[0060] FIG. 16 shows the back panel as seen from the inside of the
collapsible and reusable container exhibiting hold for insert (150)
whereby bottom panel hinges and swings upward or downward and
locking pin inserts thereby locking bottom panel in either fully
open or fully collapsed position.
[0061] FIG. 17 shows the top view of the collapsible and reusable
container in fully folded position as illustrated with top lid (5)
inserted into holding slot atop of resting ledge (61) into a fully
transportable and self contained unit.
[0062] In comparison to the existing technologies, the uniqueness
of this invention is set forth as the following: The present
invention is a collapsible and reusable container that can be
reused repeatedly and can be made from a variety of different
materials. After the products or raw materials are shipped to their
destinations in the collapsible and reusable container of the
present invention, the collapsible and reusable container can be
collapsed down to a flat, compact package occupying minimal volume
with no small or loose parts that can be lost during shipping. This
collapsed flat package can be easily stacked and shipped back to
its original location occupying minimum space on the shipping
vehicles when collapsed. This results in extra space that is
conserved and can be used for more productive purposes, such as to
ship other products either back to their original location or to
new locations.
[0063] The collapsible and reusable container of the present
invention is extremely easy to assemble and collapse without the
need for tools or special skills or instructions. The collapsible
and reusable container of the present invention can be securely
locked with a single lock whereby the bottom and top sides can be
locked into place thereby locking all sides into place.
[0064] The collapsible and reusable container of the present
invention may provide an airtight means in which articles such as
documents would be protected from environmental elements or
alternatively, a means in which the contents would be open to
external conditions, in instances of transport of produce. The
present invention has the advantages over the prior art by having
interchangeable parts. These interchangeable parts can be replaced
as the parts and hinges of the container wear and necessitate
replacement without having the expense of replacing the entire
container. Such interchangeable parts of the present invention
include the element of hinges and keys acting as pins for which the
sides of the invention are rotatably connected. Such hinges fit
together by means of pins or keys having a male insertion end
fitting into a female receiving end. These pins are removable by
means of a locking mechanism or threadlike means.
[0065] The present invention is composed of material for purposes
of use depending on such uses. Such common uses that are a means of
example and not limitation are for common transportation in which
documents may be transported from one location to another and in
which plastic or a resin of which would be satisfactory material.
Another use of the present invention would be the transportation of
monies or currencies or other important items in which the
connecting keys or pins would be hidden and unexposed whereby
forcible entry of the container's contents would be prevented. An
additional element capable of providing added protection of the
container's contents including such important items would be added
weight in the form of the material composing the container itself
so that easy asportation would not be achieved by improper parties.
The addition of a locking means would provide additional security.
In instances in which the containers of the present invention wound
into improper possession the additional element of a tracking means
such as global positional system or GPS would provide for recovery.
Such security would provide for, as a way of example and not
limitation, the public, public and private businesses, military,
etc.
[0066] Such locking means would provide locking for the bottom and
the top side, whereby all sides would be locked in place and
prevented from collapsing. The locking means would eliminate the
necessity for tapes or other adhesives thereby preventing further
additional waste products. Such locking means could be by way of
example and not limitation, a combination in which the end receiver
would have access by a combination or a key in which parties of a
same company would be able to unlock such locking means.
[0067] The bottom portion of the present invention would provide a
non-slip means such that it may also serve as a stackable means
fitting into companion stackable means on the tops of other similar
containers.
[0068] The top lid of the present invention is removable and may be
hinged outward or removed by lifting diagonally from the top
clearing the locking portions that prevent the lid from coming off
accidentally. The removed lid may be placed into an accompanying
slot between the folded sides of the container and held into place
by a locking means. Such locking means, by way of example and not
limitation can be a belt that holds the container in its folded
position with said lid covering inside each container's designated
slot and preventing said lid from loss. Such locking means can also
serve as a means to keep said lid on present container in fully
open position. Depending on required use, such locking means can be
made of different materials for added security as necessary.
[0069] The present invention may utilize a grooved side that acts
as a carrying handle. The sides of the present invention can be
elongated as pieced (3) or (5) can be extended to a length limited
by the length of the front and back sides to allow for expansion of
the container while retaining compact folded size.
[0070] The bottom stacking means of a container stacked on top in
relation to the bottom relative container does not rest on the
bottom of said top container. Such support is composed of each
container's sides acting as supports so as to enable equal weight
distribution to be spread throughout the container's sides instead
of having support weight on said top container's bottom.
[0071] Such containers of the present invention could be used for
all types of packaging, small or large. Such containers if made
large enough would provide added sturdiness and protection for such
articles as televisions or refrigerators and could be returned for
a refund.
[0072] The present invention may have a covering or pocket means on
an outside panel to enable a packing list, or receipt detailing the
contents of the container. Presently, the packing list enclosed
portion on shipping boxes must be ripped apart and in which time
boxes tear resulting in weakening of boxes. By having a permanent
pocket on the outside, such materials are saved from having to be
remanufactured as the pocket can be reused as the packing list can
simply be removed and reinserted with a new packing list.
[0073] At the end of the container of the present invention's
shipping use, the container can be used for potting, by placing
soil into such containers and planting trees, and serve as a means
for growing such plants that can be sold to the public. Such
additional planting conduits for plants would contribute in the
aggregate, to the lessening of overall effect of global
warming.
[0074] Another example of a possible use of the container of the
present invention and not a limitation, after its shipping life
ends, is to use the container as a means to serve as a dam or as a
water barrier. Containers of the present invention would be filled
with rocks or other materials providing weight to prevent flooding
of waters after rains and would be more efficient than ordinary
sandbags as sandbags are mostly only filled with sand, but the
containers of the present invention may be filled with rocks or any
other material.
[0075] At the end of the container's use as a potting pot or dam,
the containers depending on their composition can be burned or
incinerated or can be treated with bacteria which would digest such
materials.
[0076] Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from a reading of the following detailed description of
embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0077] While the invention has been described in connection with a
preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it
is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0078] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The
presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all
respects to be illustrative and not restricted. The scope of the
invention described by the foregoing includes all changes that come
within the meaning, range and equivalence thereof and is intended
to be embraced therein.
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